Background: Poland's parliament has elected a representative of a Roman Catholic group as deputy Prime Minister for the first time in thirty-six years of communist rule. It also voted four government ministers out of office. The appointment of Jerzy Ozadowski on Friday (21 November) marked a major breakthrough for the church which claims the allegiance of more than eighty percent of Poland's population.

SYNOPSIS: The cabinet changes were announced during the parliamentary session in which deputies openly criticised the authorities for past mistakes. Prime Minister Jozef Pinkowski told delegates that he welcomed the current process of democratisation in Poland, but warned the Solidarity Independent trade union movement to stick to its role as a labour union and not to get involved in politics. During the debate government officials expressed concern that some labour disputes were still unresolved.

Meanwhile in France Deputy Prime Minister Mieczyslaw Jagielski arrived at the Elysee Palace for talks with French President Giscard d'Estaing. Informed French sources said Mr. Jagielski was seeking new credits for the purchase of grain. Semi-finished products and capital goods, as well as the rescheduling of debts due for repayment in the next few years.

The Polish Government, struggling with the economic consequences of this year's labour upheaval, droughts, and livestock shortage, has expressed interest in economic aid from the west.

A French spokesman said the French President had pledged to help Poland, but no concrete details of aid were released.